OUR NEW ZEALAND HIKING TOURS  

📌New Itinerary

Keen to discover and walk something brand new? So are we!

We’ve found something truly special for the coming season - a brand-new, private walking experience on the wild West Coast of the North Island. It’s remote, it’s beautiful, and it’s only just opening up for small guided groups like ours.

 

Day 1: Into the Wild - From Auckland to the Remote West Coast

We begin our adventure together at Auckland airport. From there, we head south - with optional pick-up stops in Hamilton (either in the city centre or at the airport) - before continuing into the heart of King Country.

In Ōtorohanga, we take a break with a visit to the Kiwi House - and it’s well worth it! On a guided tour, we learn all about Aotearoa’s most iconic bird. The passionate team there share fascinating insights into Kiwi behaviour, conservation efforts, and how these rare birds are being protected. With a bit of luck, we might also catch a glimpse of a Tuatara - New Zealand’s unique and remarkable “living fossil” and a rare sight for many of us.

After lunch in a local café (not included), we travel on through green hills, open farmland and peaceful valleys, heading towards the wild west coast. By late afternoon, we reach our first accommodation Red Cottage, nestled between hills, forest and sea - the perfect place to arrive, take a deep breath, and ease into the rhythm of the days ahead. If we feel like a gentle outing before dinner, we can head down the road to explore the historic Waikawau Tunnel - a hand-dug tunnel completed in 1911 with a pick, shovel and wheelbarrow! It’s set in a truly unique landscape, and for the curious among us, bikes are available to use. As the day winds down, we will enjoy a freshly prepared meal and a cosy night in. In the evening, our hosts will stop by around 7 pm to help us get ready for the walk ahead.

 

Driving time: ~ 5 hours / 300 km (from Auckland airport), ~ 3.5 hours / 180 km (from Hamilton airport)

Accommodation: Nuku Track - Red Cottage

Meals:  D

 

Day 2: From Rolling Hills to the Sea - Hiking Day 1

After breakfast at the Red Cottage, we watch the local school kids head off before slowly driving up the narrow, winding Te Marama Road. It’s a gravel road with big views - we take our time and enjoy the ride. At the top, just past the Nukuhakari Station sign, our hosts welcome us and give a friendly briefing with all we need to know for the day’s walk.

We set off across open farmland, passing beneath Mt Whareorino, an extinct volcano. The trail leads us in and out of bush with wide coastal views, then opens into a sunny meadow - perfect for a picnic lunch and maybe a quick dip in the clear creek.

From there, we walk through lush forest filled with towering Pukatea and graceful Nīkau palms, then follow an old forestry track downhill. The last stretch takes us along a stream towards Nukuhakari Bay - with views of black sand beach, rolling hills and green paddocks. By late afternoon, we arrive at our next home for the night: a rustic A-frame and cosy cabins with views stretching from mountain to sea. Dinner is pre-prepared and ready - we just heat it up and enjoy.

 

Hiking distance: 13 km

Accommodation: Nuku Track - Nukuhakari Bay Cabins

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 3: Coastal Views & Conservation Stories - Hiking Day 2

After a relaxed breakfast with fresh local ingredients, we set off from the beach and begin our steady climb towards Tirua Point. The track leads us across open farmland, with sweeping views over the ocean - especially from the spectacular Bluff paddock. It’s not a place to get too close to the edge, but perfect for a photo stop.

We follow the ridgeline a while longer, taking in those wide west coast vistas, before dropping down to Ngararahae Bay. Here, we walk through an area of carefully restored dunes - the result of years of planting work by locals and volunteers, creating a thriving habitat for birds and native plants. From the dunes, we head back up over farmland and descend again via an old stock track - a winding path through tall flax - arriving at the beach at Front / Mangangu Bay.

Tonight’s accommodation sits tucked above the shoreline, with views stretching out to the sea. Dinner is ready and waiting – we just heat it up, eat together, and soak in the peacefulness of this special spot.

 

Hiking distance: 13 km

Accommodation: Nuku Track – Front Bay Cottage

Meals: B, L, D, S

 

Day 4: Final Steps & Limestone Landscapes - Hiking Day 3 & Drive to Waitomo

After our final breakfast on the multi-day walk, we lace up our boots one last time and set off inland. The track takes us through peaceful valleys and gently rolling hills, and up a staircase to a fabulous lookout on an old sacred (formerly fortified) pa site with 360-degree views of almost the entire journey you have just taken.

By midday, we reach the trail end and reunite with our vehicle. But the day’s journey continues - we head off on scenic backroads towards Waitomo, making at least one short stop along the way to stretch our legs and get a first glimpse of the region’s fascinating limestone formations.

Later in the afternoon, we settle into our relaxed holiday park accommodation in Waitomo. And if there’s still a bit of spark left in our legs, a little surprise walk might be just the thing to round off the day. We enjoy a last meal together in a local restaurant (not included).

 

Hiking distance: 4 km

Driving time: ~ 2.5-3 hours / 95 km

Accommodation: Waitomo – Holiday Park Motel

Meals: B, L, S

 

Day 5: Glowworms, Goodbyes & the Road Home

Waitomo is famous across New Zealand - and well beyond - for its magical Glowworm caves. But true to our Sidetracks spirit, we skip the big crowds and take a more personal route.

This morning, we have breakfast in a local café before joining our long-time friends at Spellbound for what we believe is the most beautiful Glowworm experience in the country. In a small group of no more than 12, we explore two very different caves – including a peaceful boat ride through the Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave, where thousands of Glowworms light up the darkness like a starry sky. No rushing, no noise – just quiet wonder.

After this unforgettable visit, we begin our journey north. Along the way, we farewell some of our group at Hamilton airport, and a little later in the city. Eventually, we reach Auckland airport, where it’s time for all of us to say goodbye – hopefully with full hearts, tired legs, and new friendships that will last long beyond the final stop.

 

Driving time: ~ 1.5 hours / 75 km (to Hamilton airport), ~ 2.5 hours / 190 km (to Auckland airport)

Meals: B

 

Tour Grading

🥾 Nuku Walk – Grade 3 (Moderate)

The Nuku Walk is new for us too — and we’re excited to explore it with you!

We call it Moderate, mainly because of the mixed terrain and a few hilly sections. You’ll be walking across farmland, bush tracks, along some ridgelines, sandy beaches, and even some dunes. It’s a stunning and varied landscape, but it does ask for a bit of balance and a steady step now and then.

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👉 Our recommendation:
A reasonable level of fitness will definitely help you enjoy the journey more — but there’s no need to rush. We’ve got the whole day to reach our next stop, so we’ll just take our time. Good footwear, a little sure-footedness, and a spirit of adventure are all you need. If you’re active, up for a bit of a challenge, and enjoy being out in nature, you’ll be just fine!

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You can find more about how we grade our tours here:

→ Our Hiking Track Grading System explained
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